The Rev. Dr. Theresa S. Thames

The Rev. Dr. Theresa S. Thames (she/her/hers) is the Associate Dean of Religious Life and of the Chapel at Princeton University. Born and raised in Biloxi, Mississippi, being a Black woman from the deep south informs her sense of the world. Theresa is a graduate of Howard University, Duke University Divinity School, and Wesley Theological Seminary.  She is passionate about the intersections of theology, gender, organizational development, and social justice. Though an ordained United Methodist pastor, she considers herself more poly-religious when it comes to her desire to understand God's depth and breadth. 

Theresa is a challenging preacher, thoughtful theologian, and devoted friend. She is also the founder of Soul Joy Coaching & Yoga LLC, a coaching and yoga service that inspires womxn and folx of color to discover their deepest truths and cultivate joy. She is unapologetically queer and lives a life rooted in activism and liberation theology. Theresa is a music connoisseur, avid reader, certified yoga teacher, and dog mama. She loves the arts so much that she wanted to be an opera singer, florist, and beautician growing up. Most importantly, Theresa believes that freedom is not optional, rest is her strength, and radical joy is her resistance.